Flexible rotary-hammer unit



Get. 30, 1951 w SHEELEY 2,573,227

FLEXIBLE ROTARY HAMMER UNIT Filed Jan. 19, 1950 2 SHEETS---SHEET 1 INVENTOR ml Z zamfi (573662 e y ATTORNEY 06%. 3Q, 1951 W F, ESHEELEY 2,573 22? FLEXIBLE ROTARY HAMMER UNIT Filed Jan. 19, 1950 2 SHEETSSHEET 2 fiTTOR/VEY kind described above can be secured in the de-' scribed manner to the mounting rings IT and the several hammer units are then disposed equidistantly from each other.

In Figure 4 a slightly modified form of a. hammer head is shown. This hammer head 21 is made preferably from cast steel or tool steel and is shaped similar to the hammer head H] described above with the exception that the surface opposite to the inner surface of the hammer head is serrated as indicated at 28 in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 5 the resilient rotary hammer unit constructed in accordance with the present invention may be installed concentrically,

with a semi-cylindrical thrasher drum 29 supported in the usual manner on wheel on a subframe (not shown).

The rotary hammer unit rotates in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 in clockwise direction and. a supply of cornstalks 30 is provided under the thrashing drum 29.

A plurality of breaking bars 3! are secured longitudinally on the inside surface of the drum wall and are disposed equi-distantly from each other. The breaking bars 3| extend radially inward from the drum wall so far that the hammer head In just clears said bars, which preferably have a triangular cross section.

The hammer head engages some of the cornstalks 30 and carries them upwardly toward the breaking bars 3|. The stalks are wedged between the bars 3| and the hammer head ill so tightly that this obstruction holds the hammer head In back by overcoming the pressure of the helical spring 26 as shown in broken lines at 32 in Figure 5. When the hammer head In is held back far enough it will clear the obstacle and the pressure of the spring 26 combined with the rotary movement of the shaft 15 swings the hammer head l0 forwardly into the position indicated in broken lines at 33 in Figure so that it delivers an exceptionally strong blow onto the partly treated cornstalk located between the breaker bars 3|, crushing them entirely.

When a plurality of resilient hammer units are arranged on the shaft the cornstalks 30 are subjected continuously to the above described treatment and are crushed and pulverized thoroughly.

In Figure 6 a slightly modified hammer unit is illustrated comprising the parts forming the above described hammer head parts with the exception of the link chain C, which is replaced by a flat steel bar 34 secured at one of its ends pivotally to the hammer head ID by the bolt M or the like, and the other end portion of which extends through the socket 2| and its base 22 and is pivotally connected to the mounting rings IT by a bolt or the like.

In Figure '7 another modified hammer unit is illustrated and in this embodiment the flat steel bar 34 is replaced by a round rod 35 having its outer end portion shaped into an eye 36 and its 4 inner end portion into an eye 31. The outer eye 36 extends into the hammer head l0 and is secured thereto by the bolt 14 and the inner eye 31 is located between the mounting rings I! and is attached to them by the bolt 20.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a flexible rotary hammer unit constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may beassembled and operated.

I claim:

1. A hammer-unit of the class described including a hammer head, a pair of mounting rings mounted on and secured to a rotary shaft, a link chain, one end link of said chain being secured to the hammer head and the other link being attached to the mounting rings, and a helical spring surrounding the chain and preventing it from collapsing.

2. A hammer unit of the class described including a hammer head, a pair of mounting rings mounted on and secured to a rotary shaft, a link chain, one end link of said chain being secured to the hammer head and the other end link being attached to the mounting rings, a helical spring surrounding the chain and preventing it from collapsing, a socket, and a base on said socket and fitting slidably on the peripheral surfaces of the mounting rings, the chain extending through an opening provided in the socket base, one end portion of the spring being disposed in the socket and the other end portion of the spring being located in a hollow provided in the inner side of the hammer head.

3. A hammer unit of the class described including a hammer head, a pair of mounting rings mounted on and secured to a rotary shaft, a bar secured at one of its ends to the hammer head and with its other end portion disposed between and secured to the mounting rings, and a helical spring surrounding said bar and tending to hold the bar in radial position to the rings.

4. A hammer unit of the class described including a hammer head, a pair of mounting rings mounted on and secured to a rotary shaft, a rod secured with one of its end portions to the mounting rings, the hammer head being attached to the other end portion, and'a helical spring surrounding the rod and tending to hold it in radial position to the rings.

5. A hammer unit of the class described including a, hammer head, an elongate element coupling the head to a rotary shaft for swinging movement relative to the shaft, and a resilient member for connection between the head and the shaft for constantly urging the elongate element to maintain a radial position relative to the shaft, said resilient member comprising a coil spring encircling said elongate element and compressed between the head and the shaft.

6. A hammer unit of the class described for mounting on a rotary shaft, comprising a body adapted to encircle the shaft, the body having a periphery directed away from the shaft, a, hammer head, an elongate member pivotally connected at one end with said body to extend radially outwardly from the shaft, means coupling the hammer head with the other end of the elongate member, a support element carried on the periphery of said body, and a spring interposed between said supporting element and the head and exerting a radial thrust force outwardly against the head.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6, wherein said elongate member comprises a, chain.

8. The invention as defined in claim 6, wherein said elongate member is of substantially rigid form.

WILLIAM F. SHEELEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number Name Date Nelson Apr. 29, 1924 Dryfoos May 22, 1934 Lawrence Dec. 9, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Jan. 13, 1951 Germany June 26, 1937 

